Catholics Returning Home

[jbellini]

I’m considering becoming involved in a parish-based program, as a team leader or facilitator, called “Catholics Returning Home” developed by Sally Mews. I’ve read a book on the subject written by Ms. Mews but wanted to see if anyone out there has any experience with it; either as a “student” or leader/facilitator. I’m primarily wanted to know if the program waters down Catholic teaching in an attempt to be more “welcoming”. Any feedback, positive or negative, would be helpful. Thank you.

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

I’m considering becoming involved in a parish-based program, as a team leader or facilitator, called “Catholics Returning Home” developed by Sally Mews. I’ve read a book on the subject written by Ms. Mews but wanted to see if anyone out there has any experience with it; either as a “student” or leader/facilitator. I’m primarily wanted to know if the program waters down Catholic teaching in an attempt to be more “welcoming”. Any feedback, positive or negative, would be helpful. Thank you.

We looked at several “programs” and decided that they were either too expensive or complicated or really didn’t fit our parish quite right. So we developed our own 6 week process and have used it 4 times in 2006 and the fifth session first of 2007 will start tomorrow.

**HOSEA
Session -A -2006

****§****2/28 Session 1
Spritual Life
Expectations of God
§3/7 Session 2
Family of Faith
Life in the Church
§3/14 Session 3
Sacramental Life
§3/21 Session 4
Family Life
Marriage
§3/28 Session 5
Liturgical Life
§4/4 Session 6
Q and A Reconciliation With God and The Church

After this they receive specific personal pastoral guidance for their specific situation. Then move into the parish on going Adult Faith Formation.

**

 

[lak611]

I’m considering becoming involved in a parish-based program, as a team leader or facilitator, called “Catholics Returning Home” developed by Sally Mews. I’ve read a book on the subject written by Ms. Mews but wanted to see if anyone out there has any experience with it; either as a “student” or leader/facilitator. I’m primarily wanted to know if the program waters down Catholic teaching in an attempt to be more “welcoming”. Any feedback, positive or negative, would be helpful. Thank you.

My parish had that program twice. I was one of the team members. I is a six week program. A good time to have it is during Lent or starting right before Advent. It is very general, but not watered down. Their are videos and discussion on different aspects of the Church, including the Mass, since many people may have been away since prior to Vatican II. We had guest speakers, including an RCIA instructor give some of the talks. One week is about confession, and a priest comes to that meeting. We had two men come back to the Church after being away for 50 years. The one man actually volunteered to be on our team the next session. We advertised the program in the local newspapers and on our church sign. We tried to have a third session, but nobody was interested in attending. The people who returned to the Church are still very active in the parish, and I see them all the time. You will not know how many people will attend, if any, but those who do have a positive experience. We will probably try it again at my parish.

 

[scylla]

If one person returns that is a great blessing, and I would recommend every parish that doesn’t have a program like this do this sort of thing.
Fallen away Catholics are everywhere and many just need a little something to make their way back. This many times will be the difference between Heaven and Hell, and helping to save one soul should be worth it.

God Bless
Scylla

 

[Sheeniac]

This helped me return to the Church. The people in the program were wonderful in helping me get to the point to making my first reconciliation in over 25 years.

I really recommend it.

 

[lak611]

This helped me return to the Church. The people in the program were wonderful in helping me get to the point to making my first reconciliation in over 25 years.

I really recommend it.

Welcome back!